A Day of Extremes in Kansas City, Missouri #Travel #VisitKC

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My stay in Kansas City was covered, all opinions are my own.
Extreme may not be what pops into your head when you think of Kansas City, Missouri, but there are so many extremes lurking around every corner of this eclectic city. From its nickname of "The City of Fountains" with over 200 of the water works of art located around the city, to the adventurous menu items and one of a kind cocktail concoctions, so much of Kansas City does border on one extreme or another. I recently attended an "extreme" press trip in Kansas City, and wanted to walk you through a day full of extremes in this city.An Acrobatic Lesson at Quixotic School

The Quixotic School of Performing Arts is one example of some of the extreme thrills that are available for visitors in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 2009, this performing arts school offers classes taught by members of the Quixotic company for levels from beginner to advanced. You can learn the art of dance, conditioning, flexibility and aerial aerobatics. Drop in for a one time class, or sign up for an ongoing session.

During our visit, Liv Morrow introduced us to the world of aerial silks and the Lyra. I am proud to say I was able to somewhat accomplish what she showed us on each apparatus, though not in any shape of something that could be considered graceful. That said, it was an entertaining and empowering experience of extreme fun, that I would highly recommend to both adults traveling alone, and families visiting the area. Drop in prices for classes begin at $25, and more information can be found at QuixoticSchool.com.

Architecture and Entertainment at the Kauffman Center

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is one of the most extreme examples of modern architecture that I have ever experienced. This $366 million project has netted perhaps the most striking building in the Kansas City skyline. Built as part of the downtown revitalization project, ground was broken for this extreme performing arts center in 2006. The Kauffman Center focuses on bringing in acts that others aren't, bringing more than 300 opera, symphony and ballet acts, among others to the area each year.

The Kauffman Theater is perhaps the most decadent of the three that stand within the Kauffman Performing Arts Center. Seating 1,800 patrons and boasting bold red seats with chromatic highlights, this state of the art facility features a Figaro System that places individual subtitle screens in front of each guest. While at the Kauffman Center, we were also treated to a live performance and behind the scenes look at the 3rd largest organ located in the Helzberg Hall Theater. Featuring 5,548 pipes, the largest of which is 32 feet tall, it was quite a treat to hear the beauty this instrument is capable of producing. To learn more of upcoming performances, visit KauffmanCenter.org.

Lunch at Jack Stack Barbecue

Kansas City is pretty well known for its BBQ. Having never tried it before, my mouth was practically watering just walking in the door of Jack Stack Barbecue, believe by many to be the best BBQ in town. What makes them extreme? Well, their Crown Prime Beef Ribs for one. Trust me when I say that you have not likely seen a rib this big before. If the Tyrannosaurus Rex had eaten ribs, this would have been the size for him. These massive cuts of beef are unique to the chain's stock of cattle and are a must try when you visit, as are the burnt ends, lamb ribs and just about everything else on the menu. Trust me, you can't go wrong here.

There are several locations throughout Kansas City, but the Freight House location is a must see. Located in the Crossroads Art District, the restaurant is located in an old Freight House, and offers a fun historic environment. See all locations, menu items or even order online at JackStackBBQ.com.Extreme Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

I'll be the first to admit that I never thought of art galleries as fun in the past, and certainly not extreme, but the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri changed my mind on both counts. With 35,000 works of art and and outdoor sculpture garden complete with a newly constructed labyrinth, the Nelson Art Gallery is an extreme good time for visitors of all ages.

Throughout the museum you will find examples of extreme art. From the over 7,500 pieces in the Chinese art collection to the intriguing and mysterious Jain Shrine and Egyptian galleries, there is something for each member of the family. If modern and contemporary art is more your thing, no worries, there is an entire building dedicated to works of art produced from the 1900's to present. Don't forget to take a stroll through the sculpture garden outside to walk through the labryinth yourself, or catch a photo by one of the museum's iconic shuttlecocks. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, and admission is always free! Check out more at Nelson-Atkins.org.

Unconventional Dishes at Extra Virgin

Since my extreme adventure through Kansas City, I can now say that I have had duck tongue tacos, and you know what? They are incredible! Extra Virgin is owned by renowned chef Michael Smith. This sit down restaurant with its laid back artsy vibe is the perfect place to go on a date or with a group of friends. Serving a full tapas and bar menu, you can pick and choose from a variety of intriguing small plates to share.

Among the delicacies we tasted were the duck tongue tacos which were incredible with a slight gamey flavor, beef heart and tongue terrine that I didn't care for, but some others loved and a poblano mac and cheese that is out of this world! If you are looking to get extreme and try something new while in Kansas City, then this is the restaurant for you. See a full menu visit at ExtraVirginKC.com.

Next time you want to plan a vacation full of "extreme" fun, put Kansas City, Missouri at the top of your to-do list. This lively city has grown and flourished in recent years to include a wide range of extreme fun the whole family can enjoy. To see what else the city has to offer and to plan your visit, check out VisitKC.com.

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Kathleen is a homeschooling mom of four boys with a serious case of the Wanderlust bug. Her love of travel extends to her children, and has resulted in the family visiting 48 states to date, and traveling nearly a third of the year. She is the owner of LifeWith4Boys.com where you will find information on Family Travel, recipes, reviews, lifestyle and more.